Interested in racing? Come out for a Meet the Team ride

Are you an avid bicyclist who breezed through the STP or RSVP? Ever thought about racing your bike? Come meet the local racing community and find out what racing is all about. Whether you enjoy riding on the road or in the dirt, there's a team out there for you!

Fall is the time of year when competitive cycling clubs throughout the region open their rosters and recruit new riders for the coming season. Starting Saturday, Sept. 7, cycling clubs will lead weekend rides for anyone interested in racing.

These rides are social rides, at a conversational pace, around the south end of Lake Washington. Allow about two hours. The ride may stop for a bathroom and snack break, but otherwise, be prepared for a continuous ride. These rides happen rain, wind or sunshine! Bring a functioning road bike (full fenders are appreciated on damp days), helmet, water, some food, weather-appropriate clothing, a little money and an extra tube in case you flat.

Ladies! Join us for the seventh annual Intro to Women’s Cycling and Racing Teams! Women from many of the local racing teams will host three Sunday rides for women only. If you are new to the racing community, looking to strengthen your riding skills, thinking about racing in 2014 or looking to speak with other women about local racing teams or riding opportunities, this ride’s for you!

We’ll cover some basic skills such as pacelines, riding a straight line and racing tactics/techniques. Depending on the turnout, we'll break into groups no greater than 10 to keep it manageable and go over the basics, making sure to keep things fun and stress-free.